VOL. 46 NO.26 JUNE 30, 2006 Rodeo salutes Academy By Wayne Amann Academy Spirit Editor The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is not only one of the premiere stops on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association summer tour, but one of the most ardent supporters of America’s troops. Each year it spotlights Front Range military installations. The much anticipated 66th edition, July 12-16 at the Norris- Penrose Event Center, will salute those who mold future Air Force offi- cers with Academy Day, July 16 starting at 1:30 p.m. That’s also cham- pionship awards day. Admission prices vary, depending on seat location. Military personnel get a $2 discount, excluding box seats. All proceeds benefit the armed forces and their families. Each year, Colorado Springs military bases receive donations from Photo by Dennis Rodgers the rodeo to distribute among their charitable programs that provide The journey begins assistance to families who’ve fallen Members of the Academy Class of 2010 line up on the Core Values Ramp Thursday under the watchful eyes of on hard times and are in need. the Cadet Cadre during In-processing. The one-day event marks the start of 38 days of basic cadet training and The Academy gives its donated is designed to prepare the basic cadets for entry into the cadet wing. Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins, Commandant funds to Operation Warm Heart. of Cadets, will conduct the formal swearing-in of the Class of 2010 today at 8:30 a.m., on the Terrazzo near the Since World War II, the Pikes Honor Wall next to the Cadet Chapel. For story, see Pages 16 and 17. Peak or Bust Rodeo has committed to serve the area’s military and community charities by donating more than $1.5 million dollars Six new nations in Class of 2010 In return, local military members By Eddie Kovsky and military training as their U.S. classmates single available slot. assist the rodeo by volunteering their Academy Spirit staff with the exception of any military training “I studied for a year in an Ohio high time and services wherever they are that requires a security clearance. The first school,” said Jirasak Daochern of Thailand. needed. The Academy’s first cadets from Iraq, hurdle is basic cadet training, which started “I competed with other Thai cadets; they The rodeo needs volunteers for Afghanistan, Algeria, Rwanda, Belize and Thursday. chose me. English won’t be a big problem, Academy Day. Madagascar arrived June 22 to begin their “I think it’s going to be tough,” said Akili though some others may have to work hard Thirty-five people are needed Academy careers. Joseph of Trinidad-Tobago. “I know what at it like I did last year.” for VIP parking, security, ushering They are among the 19 new interna- I have to put in to get out of it. So many “I applied with thousands of others,” and various other duties. Three to tional basic cadet trainees who inprocessed other people do it, so why can’t I?” said Radhika Ranaweera of Sri Lanka. “I five volunteers are needed for stall one week early to become oriented before Candidates are selected by their home took exams, physical tests and SATs, then management, plus 4-man teams for starting basic cadet training with the Class countries and forwarded through the U.S. got short-listed to three candidates. Others wild cow milking. Volunteering is of 2010. Embassy to the Secretary of Defense for weren’t exactly good with English or had not limited to active duty members. “I’m still tired from jet lag,” said Jung- Policy and to the Academy admissions leadership experience.” For more information, contact Han Kim of Korea. “I still haven’t had a good office. International cadets must meet the It’s a lot of work to get this far, but worth Master Sgt. Jackie McCoy at 333- night’s sleep. Altitude too; nose bleeds same admissions requirements as their it for the international cadets who are 5533 or [email protected] twice.” U.S. counterparts. Frequently, interna- looking for a military experience in a foreign or Tech. Sgt. Teresa Hatch at 333- International cadets complete the same tional cadets compete with other students country. 8839 or [email protected]. academic, athletic, character development in their home country for selection to the See INTERNATIONAL, Page 5 I News Feature Sports N Now hear this! Hero bear Grad grapples S I a hit with GIs with class D Page 4 Page 19 Page 20 E Academy Spirit 2 COMMENTARY June 30, 2006 Patriotic This 4th celebrate message from Interdependence Day the top WASHINGTON (AFPN) — An By Bob Vasquez ingredients to make up a healthy salad, each of Independence Day message from Secretary of 34th Training Wing which is important to the whole. the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air Force You can have a salad without some of the ingre- Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley: Independence Day, the Fourth of July. dients but it won’t taste the same, nor will it be as “Happy Birthday, America! For 230 years, The words conjure up visions of neighborhood healthy. this nation and its people have represented barbecues, family reunions, hometown parades, Such is the culture of the United States. People freedom and democracy. We earned that reputa- afternoon concerts in the park, fireworks and… you who call themselves African-Americans, Hispanics, tion through courageous acts of patriotism by get the picture. They’re all great ways to celebrate. Asian-Americans, Italian-Americans, Irish- our founding fathers and through bravery on But celebrate what? Independence? Yes, histori- Americans, etc., have their own histories and tradi- battlefields across the world. This 4th of July cally Fourth of July celebrations commemorate the tions that impact on who we all are. we mark not a resounding victory in a great anniversary of U.S. independence, but few of us We all need each other. battle, but instead the day when we stood up as really think about that as we enjoy the day and the There is nothing any of us do on a daily basis a free and independent nation and told the long weekend. that isn’t somehow dependent on someone else to do world we would no longer live under tyrannical What I think about on this most important day is their part. What’s made the U.S. a great nation is that rule. celebrating interdependence. we’ve accepted each others’ differences and have “This year, as you gather to celebrate the When we use the term “United States” we built upon them. founding of our great nation, pause a moment usually think of a country surrounded by the Pacific Dr. Stephen Covey, a former professor of organi- to remember our heroes currently serving away and Atlantic Oceans and bordered by Canada and zational behavior at Brigham Young University said, from home, fighting to preserve the very same Mexico. “unity is not sameness, it’s complementariness.” He freedoms the patriots before us secured. Their Geographically that’s correct. However, what’s challenges us to “celebrate the differences.” efforts are helping us soar to a future bounded most important about the U.S. is it’s internal makeup, As we celebrate Independence Day, and the by limitless horizons. people of diverse backgrounds and cultures that freedom that comes with it, consider the greatest “You, the men and women of America’s Air became one nation. freedom is the opportunity to appreciate the different Force, reflect the generations of patriots who, Remember the melting pot concept? It was the contributions our neighbors and co-workers have through their actions, displayed the values of idea that someday all those cultures represented in made to help us enjoy the life we lead. Be grateful integrity first, service before self and excel- the United States would combine into one. for that. lence in all we do. Thank you for your I refer to that in the past tense because I’m not We’re all different, but we’re all the same. unyielding commitment, and have a happy and sure anyone subscribes to it anymore. We’re free because of what we do for each other. safe 4th of July!” Not long ago another concept evolved using the Think of the Fourth of July, as Interdependence Day, salad bowl illustration. The idea was it takes different a great day to be an American. Take action to prevent ‘growing’ problem By Capt. Fe Lobo-Menendez gains at least 2 pounds per year spanning his or her younger, do not meet the Body Mass Index standard. 20th Medical Support Squadron lifetime. A hypothetical 18-year-old weighing 150 This situation has a negative impact on the indi- pounds could weigh 274 pounds by age 80, almost vidual and society. Besides the increased risk for SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) — It double the weight. numerous chronic diseases and their socioeconomic was just two months ago when I sat in my friend’s The example is simplistic, but it does illustrate a effect on the nation, the inability to maintain a fit living room sharing pictures from her past. It was her disturbing trend about the declining health of our force could add a heavy burden to the military ranks. 1967 high school yearbook, and something very country’s population. We are not just maturing On Jan. 1, 2004, then Air Force Chief of Staff striking caught my eye. toward obesity, but obesity is increasing among our Gen.